**Trump Orders Smithsonian to Post Warnings About 'Inaccurate' US History**
In a recent directive, President Donald Trump has mandated the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to install signage that warns visitors about exhibits deemed "inaccurate" by his administration. The order, issued on Friday, directs the Department of the Interior to implement these warnings and guide the public toward what the administration considers "accurate information regarding America's history."
The Smithsonian Institution, recognized as the world's largest research museum complex, has faced criticism from the Trump administration, which has accused it and other academic organizations of promoting an anti-American bias. In the wake of this directive, the Smithsonian has not yet provided a public response to media inquiries regarding the order.
The executive order, titled "Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution," claims that the museum's leadership has failed to adequately honor America's founders in light of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation's independence, celebrated on July 4, 2026. The order asserts that the museum's leadership views American history as a "prime tool" for advancing social justice agendas and enacting radical societal changes.
In a statement accompanying the order, the White House accused the museum of engaging in "extreme political activism" that it claims is rooted in Marxist ideology, which the administration argues serves to divide and discourage Americans.
Notably, the directive does not specify what sources the White House considers to be more credible in presenting American history. This move follows a series of congressional hearings in which Smithsonian director Anthea Hartig faced scrutiny from Republican lawmakers. During these hearings, the museum was accused of being influenced by a "woke ideology" that has infiltrated its public displays, educational materials, and planning documents.
Earlier this month, the White House Domestic Policy Council released a critical report asserting that the Smithsonian "erases our heritage." This report aligns with Trump's broader agenda to reshape American culture, which he claims has been tainted by left-wing ideologies. The president has previously signed multiple executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the federal government, some of which have faced legal challenges.
In March, Trump issued a separate order specifically targeting the Smithsonian, instructing it to "eliminate improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from its programs and exhibits.
The Smithsonian, which is predominantly funded by federal resources, attracts between 15 to 30 million visitors annually across its 21 museums located in Washington, Virginia, and New York. These include notable institutions such as the National Museum of American History, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Zoo.
As the debate over the portrayal of American history continues, the implications of Trump's order on the Smithsonian's operations and public perception remain to be seen. The ongoing discourse reflects a broader national conversation regarding the interpretation and presentation of historical narratives in American culture.